Strikes scheduled to begin next Monday (7 February) at XPO Transport Solutions Ltd, have been temporarily suspended, in the dispute over low pay.

Strikes suspended

Unite, the UK’s leading union, which represents 400 workers comprising lorry drivers and warehouse operatives, agreed to suspend strike action following talks at the conciliation service Acas, today (Friday 4 February), after XPO made a pay offer. 

However Unite believes that the offer is below members’ aspirations and does not rise pay rates in line with XPO’s competitors. Unite has therefore recommended that members reject the pay offer.

Disappointing offer

The week long strike which would have begun on Monday 7 February has been suspended to allow Unite’s members to be balloted on the offer. If the offer is rejected, the scheduled week long strike beginning on Monday 21 February will go ahead. 

Strike action will cause severe delays to XPO’s clients which include car and lorry makers: Mazda, Scania, Mercedes and VW Group. XPO’s other major clients include: plastic pipe maker Wavin, window manufacturer Velux, air conditioning and refrigeration company Daiken as well as Tata Steel.

Decent pay increase

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: “Following two days of talks at Acas, Unite is disappointed with the offer put forward with XPO, which fails to increase pay rate in line with the company’s competitors.

“However Unite will ballot members on the offer in order to demonstrate to XPO their determination to secure a decent pay increase.

“If the pay offer is rejected then the week long strike set to begin on Monday 21 February will go ahead, which will inevitably cause huge disruption to XPO’s clients.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Car companies and building product firms braced for severe delays as XPO workers announce strikes 

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.